March 31, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• February 16 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle March 31, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Group consisting of Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid	4
2A	5. Four-year degs.	3
3A	8. Muddle through	6
4A	14. Dreary	4
5A	15. Home of the statue Christ the Redeemer, familiarly	3
6A	16. Left	6
7A	17. Frisbee sport	8
8A	19. Earned in the end	6
9A	20. Swing wildly back and forth	6
10A	21. Sounds in a dentist's office	3
11A	23. Tune also known as "Butterfield's Lullaby"	4
12A	24. Card game akin to crazy eights	3
13A	26. Word after head, heart or belly	4
14A	28. Name of a celebrated 1970s concert tour with Bob Dylan	14
15A	35. Foretell	4
16A	36. French fashion magazine since 1945	4
17A	37. Animal whose full name means "nose horn"	5
18A	38. Where the four most widely practiced religions all originated	4
19A	39. "Me too"	5
20A	41. Means justifiers, perhaps	4
21A	42. Has trouble with S's	5
22A	44. Algerian port	4
23A	45. Problems that a group project might face	4
24A	46. "We shouldn't rush this"	14
25A	49. Relieve	4
26A	50. Rapper ___ Uzi Vert	3
27A	51. Common chip dip, slangily	4
28A	54. $$$ for old age	3
29A	56. Tiki bar cocktail	6
30A	61. The "A" of SAG	6
31A	63. Respond quickly and sharply to criticism ... or a hint to 17-, 28- and 46-Across	8
32A	65. Like the middle band of the flag of México	6
33A	66. Point	3
34A	67. Sugary frozen beverage	4
35A	68. Blue period?	6
36A	69. Signal to go onstage	3
37A	70. Coke or 7Up	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Group consisting of Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Four-year degs."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
• Words that mean the same thing: Bachelor of Arts, Artium Baccalaurens, BA
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Muddle through"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAKEDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Dreary"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown
• Words that mean the same thing: gloomy, sombre, grim
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Home of the statue Christ the Redeemer, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Left"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that move out of or depart from
• Words that mean the same thing: kick the bucket, drop dead, decease
• The opposite would be: be born, enter
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXITED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Frisbee sport"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DISCGOLF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Earned in the end"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make as a net profit
• Words that mean the same thing: webby, web, weblike
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NETTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Swing wildly back and forth"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a plaything consisting of a board balanced on a fulcrum; the board is ridden up and down by children at either end
• Words that mean the same thing: teetertotter, teeterboard, dandle board
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEESAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Sounds in a dentist's office"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Tune also known as "Butterfield's Lullaby""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (military) signal to turn the lights out
• Words that mean the same thing: intercept, pat, tip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Card game akin to crazy eights"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Word after head, heart or belly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Words that mean the same thing: suffer, yen, pine
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Name of a celebrated 1970s concert tour with Bob Dylan"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLLINGTHUNDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "35. Foretell"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that indicate by signs
• Words that mean the same thing: foreshadow, predict, omen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. French fashion magazine since 1945"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Animal whose full name means "nose horn""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast asia and africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout
• Words that mean the same thing: rhinoceros
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHINO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Where the four most widely practiced religions all originated"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. "Me too""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOAMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Means justifiers, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that either extremity of something that has length
• Words that mean the same thing: remainder, cease, end
• The opposite would be: beginning, begin
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Has trouble with S's"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a speech defect that involves pronouncing `s' like voiceless `th' and `z' like voiced `th'
• Words that mean the same thing: list-processing language, LISP, lisp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LISPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Algerian port"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city in northwestern algeria and the country's 2nd largest city
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Problems that a group project might face"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: egotism, ego, self
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. "We shouldn't rush this""

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LETSTAKEITSLOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Relieve"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
• Words that mean the same thing: simplicity, comfort, rest
• The opposite would be: difficulty
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Rapper ___ Uzi Vert"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Common chip dip, slangily"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. $$$ for old age"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: wrath, anger, Provisional Irish Republican Army
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Tiki bar cocktail"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAITAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. The "A" of SAG"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a theatrical performer
• Words that mean the same thing: doer, thespian, worker
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Respond quickly and sharply to criticism ... or a hint to 17-, 28- and 46-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAPBACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Like the middle band of the flag of México"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLANCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Point"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very small circular shape
• Words that mean the same thing: acid, Transportation, dit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. Sugary frozen beverage"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. Blue period?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "69. Signal to go onstage"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
• Words that mean the same thing: clew, discriminative stimulus, cue stick
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "70. Coke or 7Up"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
• Words that mean the same thing: soda water, soda pop, sal soda
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SODA

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - March 31, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Enhances, with "to"	4
2D	2. Cheese with a white rind	4
3D	3. Core political supporters	4
4D	4. They can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"	4
5D	5. Some future Girl Scouts	8
6D	6. Not feel well	3
7D	7. Seating for two or more	4
8D	8. Good-hearted sort	6
9D	9. Item in a box marked "In case of fire ..."	3
10D	10. Short stiletto shoe	10
11D	11. Grammy-winning James	4
12D	12. Profound	4
13D	13. 3:1 or 4:1, e.g.	4
14D	18. Ancient France	4
15D	22. Poison-pen letters	8
16D	25. Rubbernecker, e.g.	8
17D	27. "Ben-___"	3
18D	28. ___ the Riveter (W.W. II figure)	5
19D	29. Keats or Pindar	5
20D	30. Tiny change to a master clock	10
21D	31. Give someone the stink eye, e.g.	5
22D	32. Wild Australian dog	5
23D	33. Provide, as with a scholarship	5
24D	34. One of the friends on "Friends"	4
25D	35. Sports item absent from wrestling and track	4
26D	40. Highly personal	8
27D	43. Depot: Abbr.	3
28D	47. "My opinion has always been ..."	6
29D	48. Bit of Three Stooges comedy	4
30D	51. Chatters	4
31D	52. Bruins' sch.	4
32D	53. Slightly	4
33D	55. Electrically flexible	4
34D	57. Long-billed wading bird	4
35D	58. ___ Bell	4
36D	59. Got 100% on	4
37D	60. Home furnishings store with a three-syllable name	4
38D	62. ___ Records	3
39D	64. Singer Reed	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Enhances, with "to""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Words that mean the same thing: append, add up, minimal brain damage
• The opposite would be: subtract, take away
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Cheese with a white rind"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Core political supporters"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that installation from which a military force initiates operations
• Words that mean the same thing: root, ground, radical
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. They can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
• Words that mean the same thing: ABC's, first rudiment, rudiment
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Some future Girl Scouts"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a junior girl scout
• Words that mean the same thing: brownie, pixy, hob
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BROWNIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Not feel well"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that aromatic bulb used as seasoning
• Words that mean the same thing: pain, trouble, garlic
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Seating for two or more"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an upholstered seat for more than one person
• Words that mean the same thing: couch, lounge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOFA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Good-hearted sort"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a decent responsible person with admirable characteristics
• Words that mean the same thing: mensh
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MENSCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Item in a box marked "In case of fire ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: ax
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Short stiletto shoe"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KITTENHEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Grammy-winning James"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Profound"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the central and most intense or profound part
• Words that mean the same thing: inscrutable, rich, oceanic abyss
• The opposite would be: shallow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. 3:1 or 4:1, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
• Words that mean the same thing: betting odds
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Ancient France"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person of french descent
• Words that mean the same thing: Gallia, frog
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Poison-pen letters"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HATEMAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Rubbernecker, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who looks on
• Words that mean the same thing: looker-on
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONLOOKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. "Ben-___""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. ___ the Riveter (W.W. II figure)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Keats or Pindar"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a poet who writes odes
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Tiny change to a master clock"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAPSECOND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Give someone the stink eye, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
• Words that mean the same thing: brilliance, public eye, glower
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Wild Australian dog"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that wolflike yellowish-brown wild dog of australia
• Words that mean the same thing: warrigal, warragal, Canis dingo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DINGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Provide, as with a scholarship"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that give qualities or abilities to
• Words that mean the same thing: invest, gift, indue
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. One of the friends on "Friends""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
• Words that mean the same thing: Sir James Clark Ross, James Clark Ross, Sir Ronald Ross
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Sports item absent from wrestling and track"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
• Words that mean the same thing: globe, chunk, testicle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Highly personal"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone to whom private matters are confided
• Words that mean the same thing: sexual, insinuate, knowledgeable
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTIMATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Depot: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "47. "My opinion has always been ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASISAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Bit of Three Stooges comedy"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
• Words that mean the same thing: bolt, slapdash, bang
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "51. Chatters"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that light informal conversation for social occasions
• Words that mean the same thing: chin-wag, gab, gabfest
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Bruins' sch."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UCLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Slightly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Electrically flexible"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACDC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Long-billed wading bird"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IBIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. ___ Bell"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: greaser, wetback
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. Got 100% on"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that succeed at easily
• Words that mean the same thing: sail through, ace, breeze through
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Home furnishings store with a three-syllable name"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IKEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. ___ Records"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. Singer Reed"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	75.0%
Short Answer	11	14.5%
Sports	3	3.9%
History	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• April 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 17 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers Hints
• January 23 1990 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 04 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 06 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 16 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 26, 2025 at 05:20 AM

December 21, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle December 21, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Bygone Russian ruler	4
2A	5. Rock band whose name also forms the call letters for a rock radio station in San Antonio	4
3A	9. Like some sprays	5
4A	14. "The Simpsons" character with a palindromic name	4
5A	15. Part of a foot	4
6A	16. "The best is ___ come"	5
7A	17. Capture the attention of	4
8A	18. Not quite shut	4
9A	19. Sing smoothly	5
10A	20. Hawk's home	5
11A	22. Russia's ___ Mountains	4
12A	24. Dating ___	3
13A	25. Skiing and snowboarding	12
14A	28. Fulfill completely	4
15A	29. With special importance	7
16A	32. Sewing shop supply	6
17A	35. Puts money (on)	4
18A	36. Lens holder	3
19A	37. Work hard for	4
20A	38. B or C of the Spice Girls	3
21A	39. Building with a loft	4
22A	40. Prominent feature of a fennec fox	3
23A	41. Pesky plant	4
24A	43. Card suit that symbolizes a medieval weapon	6
25A	45. Hare ___	7
26A	47. Sight near an exit sign	4
27A	48. Display of mentalism ... or a hint to this puzzle's shaded squares	12
28A	52. www.nytimes .com, for one	3
29A	53. Attempt, metaphorically	4
30A	54. Reserve	5
31A	56. Give away, as a story's ending	5
32A	58. Smooth (out)	4
33A	60. Walkie-talkie word	4
34A	61. Pinky and the Brain, for two	5
35A	62. It may be printed on a place mat	4
36A	63. ___-do-well	4
37A	64. Put into the pot	5
38A	65. First place?	4
39A	66. Wapitis	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Bygone Russian ruler"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: tzar, czar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Rock band whose name also forms the call letters for a rock radio station in San Antonio"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
• Words that mean the same thing: osculate, osculation, candy kiss
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Like some sprays"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
• Words that mean the same thing: pinched, nasal bone, nasal consonant
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NASAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "The Simpsons" character with a palindromic name"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Part of a foot"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
• Words that mean the same thing: column inch, in, edge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. "The best is ___ come""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YETTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Capture the attention of"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mechanical device for gripping an object
• Words that mean the same thing: snap up, catch, snap
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Not quite shut"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that slightly open
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AJAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Sing smoothly"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sing softly
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CROON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Hawk's home"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
• Words that mean the same thing: aery, eyry, eyrie
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Russia's ___ Mountains"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Dating ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Skiing and snowboarding"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINTERSPORTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Fulfill completely"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fill to satisfaction
• Words that mean the same thing: fill, satiate, replete
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. With special importance"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOTEDLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Sewing shop supply"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
• Words that mean the same thing: spool, reel, bobbin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPOOLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Puts money (on)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the money risked on a gamble
• Words that mean the same thing: stakes, wager, reckon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Lens holder"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the organ of sight
• Words that mean the same thing: oculus, optic, eyeball
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Work hard for"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Words that mean the same thing: pull in, realise, make
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. B or C of the Spice Girls"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Building with a loft"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
• Words that mean the same thing: b
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Prominent feature of a fennec fox"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• Words that mean the same thing: pinna, auricle, capitulum
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Pesky plant"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any plant that crowds out cultivated plants
• Words that mean the same thing: green goddess, sess, pot
• The opposite would be: cultivated plant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Card suit that symbolizes a medieval weapon"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a playing card in the major suit that has one or more black figures on it
• Words that mean the same thing: nigger, spade, nigra
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPADES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Hare ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 8th and most important avatar of vishnu; incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KRISHNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Sight near an exit sign"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
• Words that mean the same thing: doorway, room access, threshold
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Display of mentalism ... or a hint to this puzzle's shaded squares"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPOONBENDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. www.nytimes .com, for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
• Words that mean the same thing: uniform resource locator, universal resource locator
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Attempt, metaphorically"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sudden sharp feeling
• Words that mean the same thing: knife thrust, dig, twinge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Reserve"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
• Words that mean the same thing: shop, memory, put in
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Give away, as a story's ending"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (usually plural) valuables taken by violence (especially in war)
• Words that mean the same thing: cocker, featherbed, bumble
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Smooth (out)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
• Words that mean the same thing: branding iron, atomic number 26, cast-iron
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Walkie-talkie word"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
• Words that mean the same thing: terminated, all over, o'er
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Pinky and the Brain, for two"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
• Words that mean the same thing: animated cartoon, toon, cartoon
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. It may be printed on a place mat"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a list of dishes available at a restaurant
• Words that mean the same thing: bill of fare, fare, card
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MENU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. ___-do-well"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
• Words that mean the same thing: nee
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Put into the pot"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that place one's stake
• Words that mean the same thing: ante
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "65. First place?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
• Words that mean the same thing: Shangri-la, nirvana, promised land
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "66. Wapitis"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
• Words that mean the same thing: red deer, European elk, Cervus elaphus canadensis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Tuesday NYT Crossword December 21, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Caesar dressing?	4
2D	2. Scatter	5
3D	3. Developer of the game Breakout	5
4D	4. M.L.B.'s first Rookie of the Year (1947)	8
5D	5. Sorento automaker	3
6D	6. Cause harm to	6
7D	7. Lasting marks	5
8D	8. Explosion fragments	8
9D	9. Home of the Met, the Whitney and the Frick, in brief	3
10D	10. Make fizzy	6
11D	11. Halts abruptly	9
12D	12. Crowning	4
13D	13. Actor Chaney nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Faces"	3
14D	21. List shortener: Abbr.	4
15D	23. Plundered goods	4
16D	26. U.F.O. pilots	3
17D	27. Some N.F.L. blockers	3
18D	30. Orpheus' instrument	4
19D	31. Urges	4
20D	32. Ask for	4
21D	33. Talk show host Jack	4
22D	34. Ingredient in perfume and potpourri	9
23D	35. Furniture depicted in Frida Kahlo's "The Dream" (1940)	3
24D	38. Interim period	8
25D	39. Singing voice meaning "heavy-sounding"	8
26D	41. Question of identity	3
27D	42. First and only chimpanzee to orbit Earth	4
28D	43. Cronus, to Uranus	3
29D	44. Whale groups	4
30D	46. Long, thin strip used in building construction	6
31D	47. Prepare, in a way, as chicken	6
32D	49. Exposed for all to see	5
33D	50. Work of fiction	5
34D	51. One of Cyprus's two official languages	5
35D	52. "___ the housetop, click, click, click ..."	4
36D	55. Goofs	4
37D	56. Subway stop: Abbr.	3
38D	57. It may give you visuals	3
39D	59. Sister	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Caesar dressing?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Scatter"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that spread by scattering ( is archaic)
• Words that mean the same thing: straw
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STREW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Developer of the game Breakout"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. M.L.B.'s first Rookie of the Year (1947)"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975)
• Words that mean the same thing: Jackie Robinson, Lennox Robinson, Edwin Arlington Robinson
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROBINSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Sorento automaker"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Cause harm to"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause injuries or bodily harm to
• Words that mean the same thing: hurt, offend, bruise
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INJURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Lasting marks"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
• Words that mean the same thing: cicatrice, scar, scratch
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Explosion fragments"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHRAPNEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Home of the Met, the Whitney and the Frick, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NYC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Make fizzy"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that expose to fresh air
• Words that mean the same thing: oxygenise, air out, air
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AERATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Halts abruptly"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOPSDEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Crowning"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that on, to, or at the top
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Actor Chaney nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Faces""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. List shortener: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Plundered goods"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that goods or money obtained illegally
• Words that mean the same thing: boodle, scratch, clams
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. U.F.O. pilots"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Some N.F.L. blockers"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Orpheus' instrument"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a harp used by ancient greeks for accompaniment
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LYRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Urges"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a yearning for something or to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: hankering, languish, pine
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Ask for"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk
• Words that mean the same thing: essay, look for, search
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Talk show host Jack"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Ingredient in perfume and potpourri"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fragrant rootstock of various irises especially florentine iris; used in perfumes and medicines
• Words that mean the same thing: orris
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORRISROOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Furniture depicted in Frida Kahlo's "The Dream" (1940)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: bonk, retire, go to bed
• The opposite would be: get up, turn out
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Interim period"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the time between one event, process, or period and another
• Words that mean the same thing: interim, lag, in the meantime
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEANTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Singing voice meaning "heavy-sounding""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a male singer
• Words that mean the same thing: baritone horn, baritone voice, barytone
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARITONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Question of identity"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a united nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
• Words that mean the same thing: World Health Organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. First and only chimpanzee to orbit Earth"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Cronus, to Uranus"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a male human offspring
• Words that mean the same thing: Logos, boy, Word
• The opposite would be: daughter, girl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Whale groups"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
• Words that mean the same thing: seedcase, fuel pod, pod
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Long, thin strip used in building construction"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a flexible strip (wood or rubber) used in drawing curved lines
• Words that mean the same thing: slat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPLINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Prepare, in a way, as chicken"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that remove the bones from
• Words that mean the same thing: bone
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEBONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Exposed for all to see"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make public
• Words that mean the same thing: bar, block off, publicise
• The opposite would be: unbar
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Work of fiction"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
• Words that mean the same thing: refreshing, new, fresh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. One of Cyprus's two official languages"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the hellenic branch of the indo-european family of languages
• Words that mean the same thing: Hellene, Hellenic, Hellenic language
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GREEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. "___ the housetop, click, click, click ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UPON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Goofs"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: mistake, drift, err
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Subway stop: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. It may give you visuals"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
• Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Sister"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a woman religious
• Words that mean the same thing: conical buoy, nun buoy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	59	75.6%
Short Answer	14	17.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Geography	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 01:24 AM